Need an awesome workout? Check out Danielle Diamond’s Xen Strength Yoga [Vinyasa Yoga + Weights]. I literally just got done doing the exercises in this video – so you are getting a ‘fresh’ review of the video. It will make you work hard, make you stronger, and make you feel awesome. http://www.oatmealinmybowl.com/2011/12/11/xen-strength-yoga/ http://amplify.com/u/a1k020

Can you convert a meat eater to add tofu to their diet? My daughter and I succeeded in getting my hard core meat and potatoes man to eat a delicious pie made with tofu. Take the pledge for a chance to win a great prize package from Nasoya! http://www.oatmealinmybowl.com/2011/12/05/nasoya-tofu/ http://amplify.com/u/a1jdtu

You know an app is going strong when celebrities like Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez join the fun. At the same time average users, like me, are constantly checking friend’s updates and posting new pictures. I have discovered 10 more fun apps to enhance your photos for Instagram. http://www.christine.biz/social-media/apps-instagram-fun/ http://amplify.com/u/a1j1sb

Expand your iPhone Instagram fun to the Web with these 6 great web programs. http://www.christine.biz/social-media/instagram-web-apps/ http://amplify.com/u/a1hutt

http://www.oatmealinmybowl.com/2011/10/03/rileys-farm/ <==The girls in my family spent the morning apple picking at Riley’s Apple farm. And it was the end of the season. But no doubt, it was still a fun day. http://amplify.com/u/a1e2ag

If your business is starting to get off the ground a little bit (finally!) I'm sure you're thinking about getting some help and maybe hiring someone. http://www.christine.biz/internet-marketing/where-you-can-hire-someone/ http://amplify.com/u/a16aam

Please vote 4 me. "Keeping kids happy during the summer doesn't have to be expensive" (CTRL+F 'mccarthy') http://t.co/rT8XRVK <http://amplify.com/u/a1626w

Keeping kids happy during the summer doesn't have to be expensive. http://bit.ly/jxwx79 (Ctrl + F 'mccarthy') http://amplify.com/u/a15q5n

Hit “Send” to soon? How to retract Gmail messages

URL:  http://www.christine.biz/internet-marketing/undo-send-g...

The 'undo send' feature in Gmail Labs default feature to install. Don't delay!

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/a15q4k

How to Add a Custom Wordpress Avatar

URL:  http://www.christine.biz/blogging/custom-wordpress-avatar/

An avatar is a way to help brand yourself. It is usually a logo or picture of yourself that shows up when you leave a comments in a blog post. Step up your brand by creating a custom default Wordpress avatar. I'll show you how...

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/a12f8o

Start a Raw Food Diet

http://hubpages.com/hub/start-raw-food-diet

Starting a Raw Food Diet can be the most rewarding thing to do in adapting a healthy lifestyle. After a period of detox your body will feel full of energy, your skin will glow, and you will a sense of overall vitality.

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/b10nmg

10 Social Media Sites to Like on FB

URL:  http://www.christine.biz/social-media/10-social-media-s...

Facebook is a great tool for business networking. There is a different level of connection found on Facebook compared to other social media sites. That is why today I thought it would be valuable to note 10 social media sites worth liking on Facebook.

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/b10id8

Even Bloggers need a business plan

URL:  http://www.christine.biz/blogging/strategic-business-plan/

Bloggers face an issue when they transition their hobby blog from to business. Bloggers get tunnel vision – letting their one blog be their only money making source in their strategic “business” plan. Some bloggers do well by making money with one blog. But for most, they need to focus on several sources bringing in revenue.

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/bzp5x

Blog Earnings of 18 Blogs in March 2011

URL:  http://www.selbstaendig-im-netz.de/2011/04/18/blogs/blo...

How the blog revenue of U.S. blogs have developed and which new blogs are in the list? Although the 18 blogs are certainly not statistically representative, so they offer a very good look at earnings in the English-speaking world.



(Post comes from a German blog)

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/bzey5

Secrets for Coming Up w/Blog Post Ideas

http://archive.aweber.com/christinebiz/eIAg/h/5_Secrets_for_Co...

As a blogger, you might need to accept that you will face these periods of writer's block on a regular basis, but you can also take a few practical steps to come up with blog posts ideas. Here are five secrets I've learned along the way that have help me get out of my writer's block and back on the blogging track.

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/bz3wa

Editorial Calendar plugin for Wordpress

URL:  http://www.christine.biz/blogging/editorial-calendar-pl...

The Editorial Calendar plugin for WordPress is a must have for any blogger (and it’s FREE). The user function is simple, but the result is powerful.

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/byxgk

Google Chrome Extensions 4 Social Media

URL:  http://www.christine.biz/social-media/best-google-chrom...

Google Chrome extensions enhances your functionality of your Google Chrome browser. In the same way WordPress plugins do for WordPress platform. And the Google Chrome browser is the safest browser around (along with sleek and web faster). Check out the 6 best Google Chrome extensions every blogger or online marketer needs for social media sharing.

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/bxyfk

Social Bookmarking to Increase Traffic

URL:  http://www.christine.biz/social-media/social-bookmarking/

Do you use social bookmarking to increase traffic to your website? You should! Although it can be time consuming, its a great method to generate traffic. Gather a group of friends to help you submit your great content and vice versa.

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/bx51f

Check out the new StudioPress child themes. Plus, Wordpress.com, you now have the power of Genesis with the premium theme, Pretty Young Thing. Check it out. They are all very nice.

http://www.christine.biz/blogging/studiopress-child-themes/ http://amplify.com/u/bwvqa

9,200,000+ Traffic Sources for Your Blog

URL:  http://newinternetorder.com/9200000-traffic-sources/

I love extensive lists like this one. Always makes for reference material to bookmark and come back to many times. check it out!

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/bw54f

Twitter Buffer App - pretty darn cool!

URL:  http://www.christine.biz/social-media/twitter-buffer/

Do you like spacing out your tweets? Schedule updates with a service like SocialOomph. Now you can automatically schedule updates, with the Twitter Buffer App, by the click of a button from any webpage your on. It's a pretty darn cool app! Glad Leo stopped by to present it.

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/bw516

I ranked it in 12 days, receives 18,000+ searches per month, competing with high authority sites. Its a step by step - meaning you can do the same. http://www.christine.biz/blogging/page-one-google-search/ http://amplify.com/u/bv0qz

Flip UltraHD Video Camera - Best Choice

URL:  http://www.christine.biz/tech-talk-friday/flip-ultrahd/

In two weeks, I am giving a talk about blog monetization at that meetup.

I thought it would be a great idea to have my husband record the talk. A Flip UltraHD Video Camera is the best choice. See why...

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/btxpo

The Seven Deadly Sins of Social Media.

http://www.marketingdonut.co.uk/blog/2010/11/the-seven-deadly-...

There seems to be a lot of noise about social media just now but let’s not forget that it is just a tool to help you market your business.But caution. With increasing use of social media comes the increased risk of committing one of the seven deadly social media sins.

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/btrql

Yahoo Site Explorer

URL:  http://www.christine.biz/search-engine-optimization/yah...

Yahoo! Site Explorer. This Yahoo! webmaster tool allows you to discover how your site is being indexed in Yahoo! Search. You'll read below how this webmaster's tool tell you where you place in Yahoo! search results. And how you can help grow your blog or website with the utilization of inlinks.

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/btolk

Blog Post Promotion: The Ultimate Guide

URL:  http://www.christine.biz/blogging/blog-post-promotion/

I can honestly conclude, this is one of the best ebooks I have read. Seriously. Start building your network and successfully increasing the popularity of your blog posts & articles today!

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/btf8f

I love a good success story. By focusing on her blog as a business, Christine McCarthy was able to do what a lot of bloggers dream of...sell her blog for a nice chuck of cash...



http://www.buildabetterblog.com/2011/03/christine-mccarthy-social-media-success-story.html http://amplify.com/u/bsw7q

The Real Housewives of Orange County is premiering this weekend. Yeah! It’s the only drama filled show I enjoy. So what’s a better way to spend watching the new season than with a bunch of girlfriends drinking wine and eating gourmet cheese & crackers. Make the night extra special with these wine glass charms!

http://wp.me/p1g2Aj-pR http://amplify.com/u/bsvwb

How to Connect Twitter to Facebook

URL:  http://www.christine.biz/social-media/twitter-to-facebook/

connect Twitter to Facebook so your facebook friends don't miss out on your Tweets.

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/bsf1n

10 Things Justin Bieber Can Teach You About Success

URL:  http://www.christine.biz/social-media/justin-bieber-nev...

I know, you just didn't think it could happen - Justin Bieber can teach YOU about Success in whatever you are trying to accomplish.

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/brqsq

NetworkedBlogs – Facebook Auto Post Options

URL:  http://www.christine.biz/social-media/facebook-auto-post/

Since writing Auto Post Your Blog Posts to Twitter, Facebook, and More!, I have received many searches for “facebook auto post options”. While the options in that post work great for submitting blog posts to multiple sites, there is a singular option which works great to auto post your blog post to Facebook.

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/brhdo

Why a Business Logo is Important

URL:  http://www.christine.biz/blogging/99designs/

Ever think about branding your small business, blog, or website? Gain a professional business logo for a mere $99. And be entered in a possible iPod touch *giveaway (see details)

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/aq7v6

Shortcode Kid Plugin - Awesome one click plugin to add fancy buttons, a slideshow, and so much more! http://amplify.com/u/bpuwa http://amplify.com/u/apuwk

Auto Post Your Blog Posts to Twitter, Facebook, and More!

URL:  http://www.christine.biz/social-media/autopost/

Your blog, as part of your content marketing strategy, can take up a lot of hours in your day. Leave the bulk of your social media work to these autoposting sites and use your valuable time writing pillar articles for your blog.

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/apkpx

Before you do anything else with you blog - identify who your market is. Doing so will help you market the right products at a higher value and save you tons of money from making the wrong marketing choices.

Amplify’d from www.christine.biz

You’ve Identified Your Blog Market, Right?

Don’t tell me because you’re a blogger that your target blog market is ‘everyone who blogs online’. Really? (nods head) So, you’re telling me that you cater to new and experienced probloggers alike? I think not. Well, if you want to succeed in your business, you will need to identify a blog market.

Figure out who you are selling your product to. Having a large target audience is not always better than having a smaller niche or group of people to sell to. By identifying your blog target audience, you can create or sell more tailored products of increased value.

So, get out a piece of paper and pencil. It’s time to start making a solid foundation for your business (yes, you need to think of your blog as a business).Take some time with this step, too.

To start identifying your blog market, ask yourself the following questions:

Do you work better with men or women?

What is the target age of your customers?

What type of business does your customer run – is it the solo entrepreneur, a group of bloggers, a corporate executive, or a stay-at-home mom?

What is the net worth of your potential customer? Are you catering to high rollers or people just starting out?

Are your customers social media experts or just learning how to use social media?

How does your potential customer find your products and services?

The idea is to really hone in and target your blog market or audience. By answering these questions, you will gain a valuable good idea about how and where to market your company.

How to Identify Your Blog Market with Alexa

If you already blog for your business, you can get help identifying your target market with Alexa.com.

To find your site’s stats, go to Alexa.com, type in your website. Then, click on Get Details and hit the Audience tab. If your account is not ranked, register for an account and add your site. Overtime, you will be able to gain details about your audience.

Example: Identify Your Blog Market and Look at Products to Sell

As an example we will look at MoneyFunk.net – a personal finance blog catering to those trying to get out of debt and living frugal. That’s a hard audience to sell to, right? These are people looking to get out of debt and live minimally. How do you sell to them?

My target audience for MoneyFunk.net, as defined by Alexa, are mainly women, 45-64 years of age, with a college education, and no children.

These results tell me a few things:

These women want to become financially educated and/or financially independent

My targeted audience can possibly work a 2nd job to pay down debt, because they don’t have children

Nearing retirement

And do not want to spend a lot of money on products (if they do, a lot of research is behind buying the product)

By identifying these key points, I can consider the type of products or services that would be good for my customers.

Stocks Trading Account

Online and Savings Account

Retirement Accounts

Financial Books

Premium Excel Spreadsheet to Track your Net Worth and/or Debt Snowball

Identifying your blog market can require some time. Don’t rush this step because it is an important step to build a solid foundation for your business. Once you know who you are targeting, it is much easier to figure out who you are going to reach and what marketing methods will resonate to them. Honing in on your market, will also save you money wasted in the wrong marketing efforts.

So… what is your target blog market? Read more at www.christine.biz

 

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/ao8cd

Blend Creations - Tech Talk Friday

URL:  http://www.christine.biz/tech-talk-friday/blend-creations/

Welcome to our first Tech Talk Friday! Where we’ll showcase tech/geek gadgets and accessories, review WordPress plugins, and/or start sharing great content from around the web. This week’s showcase is: Blend Creations.

Uber cute for the Twitter Fanatic!

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/anuib

6 Absolute Tactics to Get More Comments on Your Blog

URL:  http://www.christine.biz/blogging/get-more-comments-blog/

Are you frustrated because your not getting the comments you hoped for? Don't vex and don't give up! Here are 6 Absolute Tactics for getting more comments on your blog.

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/anozu

How I Deal With Insecurity + Self-Doubt Marie Forleo | Helping Women Around The World Live Rich, Happy & Hot!

http://marieforleo.com/2011/01/deal-insecurity-selfdoubt-2/

This is a great topic for many of us solo or flexible entrepreneurs. How do you deal with insecurity and self doubt in building your business. Enjoy the video. Love Marie's vibe.

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/anm1y

Facebook Profile or Page - How to Decide Which One to Use

URL:  http://www.christine.biz/social-media/facebook-profile-...

What to do when your business contacts want to friend you on your personal profile. Do you add them? Ignore them? Here's some great answers to the dilemma every blogger crosses when using Facebook for social media.

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/bn1s2

The Nintendo 3DS...coming soon

While I think its an awesome idea, Gizmodo recently wrote about the ill effects the Japanese people were feeling from the 3d technology of the games. Am excited, but reserved at the same time.

Amplify’d from www.crunchgear.com

The Nintendo 3DS: Finally Priced, Dated, And Delivered

First the good news: Nintendo’s 3DS will hit the US on March 27, 2011 for $249. That’s less than the speculated $299 price but still $70 more than the current most expensive Game Boy.  The 3DS comes packaged with a charging dock and a 2GB SD card. Cosmos Black and Aqua Blue are going to be available in North America at launch, which are the same colors available at launch in Japan.

The 3DS is the next-gen Nintendo DSi. The form factor is the same and it still uses a touchscreen for the bottom screen with a unique glasses-free 3D screen above it. There’s an analog nub above the traditional 4-way pad and the top screen is 10% larger. The 3DS is backwards compatible with DS and DSI games but they’ll just work in boring ol’ 2D. There’s even a Blackberry-ish notification light on the top corner to indicate if data is incoming or outgoing.

Games! Games! Games!

As Reggie Fils-Aime, President and COO of Nintendo of America stated during the 3DS press announcement, the 3DS’s launch support is robust in terms of game support. Pilotwings Resort, Nintendogs + Cats, and Steeldriver will launch alongside the 3DS. Then there’s Zelda, Ocarina of Time 3D, Kid Icarus Uprising, Dead or Alive Dimensions, Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 3D, a new 3D Madden game, and Super Street Fighter IV 3D plus so much more as well. There will be “30+ titles” in the initial launch window of when the system is released and the gaming conference, E3, which happens in June.

Forget cartridges though — well, sort of. The Nintendo e-shop will launch with the 3Ds and provide digital downloads of Game Boy and Game Boy color hits. New games will eventually hit the store as well. The outlet will also feature demos and videos of upcoming games.

The 3DS just isn’t about gaming, either. The portable system can also playback 3D videos and capture 3D pictures as well. Two outward facing cameras are used for this mode while one inward facing camera captures the gamer in action and allows for a personalized Mii through the Mii Maker app. There’s also a pedometer app for tracking and encouraging movement. A just-announced Internet browser and Home button placed under the touchscreen reaffirms Nintendo is positioning this unit as more than a gaming device.

Backstory

Nintendo announced the 3DS, although it wasn’t officially named yet, back on March 23, 2010. It kind of came out of no where and most believed that Nintendo was forced to announce it to stem a leak. It wasn’t until E3 2010 in June that the company actually showed it off to the world. They actually paraded demo units out strapped-down to beautiful models at their press conference. We then got to spend a bit a time with the system but only tech demos were loaded onto the systems.

The 3DS’s price and release date were then announced, but only for the Japanese market. Still, the February 26th date lead most to believe that a worldwide launch would then come in March. This of course was just confirmed.

At $249, the 3DS isn’t cheap. But Nintendo is on a streak lately. The Wii sold like a jillion units, and the DS is more popular than Bieber. That doesn’t mean it won’t flop though.

Early reports out of Japan indicated that some people were getting sick looking at the 3D screen and I found that I couldn’t make out the 3D in some of the E3 demos. Plus, it’s rather expensive. Is it going to be the next Virtual Boy? It’s up to you (and your kids). Read more at www.crunchgear.com

 

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/bms6o

10 Powerful LinkedIn Tips by Lewis Howes

Amplify’d from www.lewishowes.com

10 Powerful LinkedIn Tips

Powerful LinkedIn Tips

Without an identity on LinkedIn, your personal brand will suffer tremendously.

LinkedIn is also the only major social networking site where you can build a large database of highly targeted leads and access that database at any time (by exporting your connections emails).

Since LinkedIn is without a doubt the # 1 business social networking site, it’s important you put the energy and effort into getting the most out of your LinkedIn marketing.  Here are my top 10 LinkedIn tips to achieve this.

1.  Control Your Brand

This is the most important aspect for me, and why I included the video with Gary.   The best way to take control of your personal brand on LinkedIn is to fill out your entire profile and write concise, compelling, value driven copy.

For most, when you search for your name on Google, your LinkedIn profile is one of the top five results that show up. Control what others view about you by completing your profile 100%, and making it stand out from the rest.

2.  Join Groups In Your Niche

There are thousands of groups on LinkedIn.  Connect with the ones that fit your interest or industry.  Each group has a job board, a discussion area and forum, and a place to ask questions.  Get active in groups as it’s a powerful way to interact and find like minded professionals.

3.  Connect With Everyone

This is something I debate with people often.   I believe this is a limiting mindset when you don’t allow others to introduce themselves by reaching out to connect with you.  How do you expect others to want to hire you or do business with you if you shun them away?  Connecting with everyone on LinkedIn not only opens up new possibilities and opportunities, it also increases and expands your 2nd and 3rd degree connections, allowing for more people to find you, contact you and work with you.  Simple as that.

4.  Ask Compelling Questions

That’s right.   Actually get on LinkedIn and ask a few questions every now and then… is that so hard?   I asked two questions that took me five minutes of my time and received over 50 helpful answers in return.   Just make sure you ask the right questions and tag it in the places where your target audience is searching.

5.  Become An Expert

A great way to share your expertise is to answer questions.  One of my connections told me he spends 15 minutes a day, 3 days per week answering questions related to his topic.  He says in brings in around 3-5 new clients each month after he follows up with each person (this results in $3,000-$5,000 more each month for him).  If leads are your concern, then answering questions could quite possible be your answer.

6.  Host Your Own Event

You would not believe the energy and enthusiasm created by hosting a live LinkedIn networking event.  I’ve hosted over 20 live events and promoted them all through the LinkedIn events section.  One event had over 1,000 RSVP’s and the average event had around 350 paying attendees.  It allows you to connect with those online connections… offline, and make powerful face to face relationships.  Learn about the benefits of hosting your own LinkedIn event here.

7.  Say Thank You

In the real world, people love it when you say “Thank you”.   It seems to solve a lot of problems in general.  Be sure to say those two important words every time someone does anything for you, such as makes a recommendation, makes an introduction, or answers your questions.  Saying “Thank You” is another thing Gary recommends, in fact it is the entire topic of his new book The Thank You Economy.

8.  Become Transparent

It seems as though the only way to be successful online these days is to become completely transparent. The more you try to hide something, or stay generic, people will move on to the next thing.  Seth Godin says that being remarkable is nothing more than having others remark about you. Take this advice into account as you go along your LinkedIn ways.

9.  Create a LinkedIn Group

I can’t say enough about LinkedIn groups and what they have done for my business.  They give you more credibility, help you get more leads, and more sales.  Here are my top 10 reasons to start a LinkedIn group and other thoughts on how to create a profitable business from your LinkedIn group.

10.  Make Recommendations

Chris Brogan has a great post on LinkedIn recommendation tips, and I suggest you check it out before you give any.  Of course it looks good to have a lot of recommendations on your profile (Chris has almost 150 of them here) but I always recommend giving them first before you ask for any.  Most likely if you give a great recommendation, that person would be happy to return the favor.

(Bonus Tip)  Use LinkedIn Applications

LinkedIn does a great job of adding more and more advanced applications to their tool belt.  It’s a great way to enhance your profile and stick out from the rest.  You can add a video to your profile, showcase your blog or your graphic design work, include your presentations, put up a picture of your book from Amazon, run a poll for your connections, and more. Read more at www.lewishowes.com

 

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/bmkw5

Amazon doesn’t really say how the pricing is set for blogs. Most big company blogs run $1.99.



Speaking of big blogs… these are the only ones categorized in the Kindle front page directory at this time. As a publisher of a lesser publicized blog, you’ll most likely need to push for your Kindle blog to be seen and subscribed to (like writing a blog post). This is why I play the importance of using targeted keywords when setting up your account. Think about what people search for and use the Adwords Keyword Tool to zone in your niche.

Amplify’d from www.christine.biz

Kindle Publishing Available for Blogs

And the other cool thing, you can starting making your blog available to the Kindle Publishing for Blogs Beta program.

All you need to do is sign up for an account (this is separate from your Amazon account). Add your RSS/Atom Feed Address. Specify how your readers will identify to your blog and how your blog will be categorized. Then agree to the terms and conditions, hit Save, and Publish blog to Kindle.

In 24-48 hours will blog will be available in the Amazon Kindle Store!

Revenue Royalties

According the the terms and conditions, it specifies that publishers of blogs will receive 30% of sale revenues actually received from the sale (that’s $0.297/per sale for me!). Ya, its not really a great money maker. But it is another method to increase your blog’s visibility.

*Tip: Make sure when you target keywords when specify how readers will identify to your blog.

You can read anywhere with a free Kindle Reading App. Available for your iPhone, Windows PC, Mac, BlackBerry, iPad, Android and Windows Phone 7. Read more at www.christine.biz

 

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/bmdrb

Kindle Publishing Available for Blogs http://bit.ly/ieGGjP http://amplify.com/u/bmdmk